COMMUNITY SAFETY LAB

Staying Safe Together

Scams can happen to anyone, regardless of age, education, or background. Being careful is a strength, not a weakness. By learning to recognize common warning signs, we can protect ourselves, our families, and our communities.

This page offers gentle guidance to help you stay informed. Our goal is not to create fear, but to empower you with knowledge so you can make confident decisions.

Common Warning Signs

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it often is. Watch for these patterns:

• Requests for money or personal information from someone you have not met in person
• Pressure to act quickly or keep something secret
• Stories that seem too good to be true, or too sad to ignore
• Requests to send money through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers
• Communication that shifts suddenly from public platforms to private messages
• Inconsistent details or stories that change over time

Romance and Relationship Scams

These scams involve someone building an emotional connection—often over weeks or months—before asking for money or personal favors. They may claim to be overseas, in the military, or working on a special project.

• They may express love very quickly, sometimes within days
• They often avoid video calls or in-person meetings
• They eventually ask for money for emergencies, travel, or business opportunities
• They may ask you to receive or forward money or packages

Job and Opportunity Scams

These scams promise income, employment, or business opportunities but often require upfront payments or personal information.

• Be cautious of jobs that require you to pay money before starting
• Watch for vague job descriptions or unusually high pay for simple work
• Verify company names and contact information independently
• Be wary of requests to use your personal bank account for business transactions

Crypto and Investment Scams

Investment scams promise high returns with little or no risk. They often involve cryptocurrency, forex trading, or unfamiliar platforms.

• Be skeptical of guaranteed returns or "risk-free" investments
• Research any platform thoroughly before sending money
• Be cautious if someone you met online suggests a specific investment
• Legitimate investments do not require secrecy or urgency

Social Media and Impersonation Scams

Scammers may create fake profiles or hack existing accounts to impersonate people you know or trust.

• Verify unexpected requests from friends or family through another method (phone call, in person)
• Be cautious of messages asking for money, even from accounts you recognize
• Watch for slightly altered usernames or profile details
• Public figures and organizations rarely contact individuals directly for money

What to Do If Something Feels Wrong

If you are unsure about a situation, take a step back. There is no shame in being cautious.

• Talk to someone you trust—a family member, friend, or community member
• Do not send money or share personal information until you are certain
• Research the person, company, or opportunity independently
• Trust your instincts—if it feels wrong, it probably is

Last updated: 2026